Weekly Wrap Up

 

Happy Monday! Hope that you had a wonderful weekend. Here in Minnesota it was cold, and we had some snow. My family and I just laid low, and had a quiet (well as quiet can be with 4 kids) weekend at home. A low key weekend gave me plenty of opportunity to rest my ankle after spraining it on Tuesday during school pickup. Thankfully the swelling has decreased greatly, and the bruising isn't looking as horrible as it had been. I still cannot believe that happened.  

Reading wise, last week I managed to read 5 books!  I read some books that I absolutely cannot get out of my mind, and others that we just middle of the road. All the books read were e-books (naturally), 2 were advanced reader copies (ARC), and the other 3 were backlist titles. It should be of no surprise that they all fall into the romance genre. Hey, I like what I like. 

Last week I also had the honor of working with a few authors on promotions for their books. I love getting to do things like that. There is just something about promoting a book and/or author that others might not be familiar with. I know I've definitely learned about a lot of authors from others! (I'm looking at you Bookstagram!)

Let's talk about what I read last week.

First up was an advanced reader copy of Hopeless Romantic by Marina Adair. When I ran across this book on NetGalley, I was drawn in by the autism storyline. I was curious as to how autism (and caregivers) would be portrayed. Would it be realistic? I can honestly say that I was good with how everything was portrayed. It felt familiar in a way. Add in the way that Beckett felt like she had little to no help, and it was relatable. I can only hope that after the book ended, the characters were able to establish new routines and boundaries, so that Beckett could have a little respite from her Dad and brother. (as well as helping them with the social and relational skills they both needed.)

I should say that Hopeless Romantic is a small town romance between two people who constantly give. They give their time, their energy, their resources, but they never ask for anything in return. Also, Gregory Pecker had me laughing. Everything that happened with that chicken had me chuckling. 

If you're interested, here is the description for the book:

Set against the breezy backdrop of coastal Rhode Island, the latest novel from bestselling author Marina Adair asks whether two of a small town's biggest hearts can learn to put themselves first--in the name of love...

As caregiver for her autistic brother, Beckett Hayes knows how meaningful a little extra help can be when life happens. Which is why she runs Consider It Done, a personal concierge service in her small town. Her job also gives her the flexibility to follow her passion, being Rome, Rhode Island's unofficial special needs advocate, training emotional support companions in her spare time. There's not much of that, though, and certainly not enough for serious dating. It's always been family first for Beck. But one unquestionably gorgeous, good-natured man is suddenly a temptation that's getting tougher to resist...

Sixteen years ago, Levi Rhodes was ready to sail off into the sunset--literally. But then his father's death and his sister's unexpected pregnancy postponed his sailing scholarship and the adventures he had planned. Running the family marina and bar was the least he could do for his grieving mother. Plus, his niece needed a father-figure. But now that she's in high school and has her bio-dad in her life, Levi's wondering if it's time to get his sea legs under him again...until curvy, caring Beck showed up in his bar, and then in his dreams...

Over all, this story gave me what I wanted. The representation of a neurodiverse family, and how a caretaker can often get little respite is relatable to many people. Yes, the relationship between Beckett and Levi was nice, but for me it wasn't what stood out. Instead it was the relationship between Beckett's family and how they worked (or rather didn't fully work) as a unit, as well as the relationship that Levi had with his. Hopeless Romantic also spoke to me about accepting assistance from those who offer, and also about asking for assistance. It's about not doing it all on your own. Consider reading this book. Hopeless Romantic releases on January 26, 2021.

After reading Hopeless Romantic, it was time to switch things up, so I read some new adult romance. I don't often read new adult (I consider new adult as characters who are college aged), but every so often it calls my name. I had recently purchased the Over the Fence series by Carrie Aaron after seeing some of her TikTok videos. The way she described her books had me intrigued. Plus this series is sports romance, so obviously I'm going to be drawn in.

Pitching to Win is the first book in the Over the Fence series. It follows the relationship between Minka (the introvert) and Owen (the golden boy). This summer romance starts at a party, where Minka doesn't want to give Owen the time of day. Yes, he's attractive, but she's not going there. Minka is perfectly content living the single life, especially after what happened last time she was in a relationship. Meanwhile Owen is drawn towards Minka. He feels the need to get to know her. There is something about her that he just can't let go of. Both have parental issues that they need to work on, and Minka is still reeling from what happened a couple of years ago with a bad relationship.

I'd tell you more about this story, but honestly it doesn't really matter. For me this story was just meh. It didn't really keep my attention all that well, and it was a bit forgettable. (ugh, I don't like saying that, but it's true.) Yes, there were moments I enjoyed, but ultimately it just wasn't for me. That being said, I did opt to continue with the trilogy. After all I bought the books, so I might as well read them.

The second book in the series is Hitting to Win. Now we are at college, and it is time for Chloe and Miles to have their moment. Chloe has been crushing on Miles since they were children. There has always been something about him that she's been drawn to. Miles is dealing with a broken heart, as well as issues with his Dad, and is being an ass to everyone. Chloe tries to be nice to him, and he says horrible things to her. One day they are forced to work together for a dance competition. They both try to find an out, but ultimately cannot. So they team up, and make it work. Of course along the way a relationship develops. Now I honestly liked Hitting to Win a lot more. Maybe it was the dancing competition aspect. Maybe it was the way Miles works through his past. I'm not entirely certain. What I do know, is that this book made me thankful I stuck with the trilogy.

The last book is Catching to Win. If you've read the previous two books, then you already know Kelsey and Clint. Let me just start by saying, this was my favorite of the series. Absolute favorite. Kelsey had absolutely no interest in having a relationship with Clint. Heck, she didn't even really want him as her friend. Yet here they are talking almost daily while she's overseas. Clint has become someone she can turn to, and talk about anything with. It's weird, but Kelsey likes it. What Kelsey doesn't know is that Clint has been working on changing his body. Before he was a larger man, and women would pay no attention to him. Since he's been making changes, they look, but Clint isn't interested. There is one woman he wants, and she is not in the country. Until suddenly she is. Kelsey looks at Clint, but doesn't realize it's him because his appearance has drastically changed. Once she does, well then she finds herself attracted to him. (No that irritated me, but at the same time I can relate to Clint) Things happen, attraction blossoms, issues arise, and then we get to witness how this all plays out. I will say, one of the things I really liked about this book is how Clint fought for Kelsey. He did everything he possibly could.

For my last book of the week, I dove back into the dark mafia romance world that is the Bennett Duet. Yes that same duet by Xavier Neal that I mentioned last week. Yours truly was given an ARC of Dark Reign, and oh how thankful I am. I am getting my questions answered. 

I just finished reading, and cannot get over everything that happened! I will say, it wasn't who I expected to be behind everything that happened in Dark Ruler. Still though, I was surprised when it was revealed.

I could feel the anger and the pain when Benicio said "I will not stop hunting for her until she has been found and returned home. I will turn over every boulder, every stone, every pebble until the woman that is mine is back where she belongs."

There were a few times where my jaw dropped, whether due to the information revealed or due to the graphic nature of the repercussions. (if you know, you know) Of course me being me, I also shed a few tears. What can I say, I'm a crier. I found myself laughing periodically as well. There were just those scenes that required a good chuckle. One last thing, Gia (Benicio's mama) is amazing, and is definitely someone you want in your corner!

The ending to the book was just what I needed. Almost all the loose ends have been wrapped up. That being said, I do need Xavier Neal to write a novella about Miko, and everything that happened with him in the duet. Especially from the wedding scene onward. ahem.

That wraps up my week in reading! Overall I'm pleased with how it went, and while one of the books was just "meh", the rest were good.

So tell me, what have you been reading? Anything you'd recommend?

Happy Reading,

Weekly Wrap Up

 

Oh what a week it's been! My kids and I survived their last week of distance learning, and now they are headed back to their school. My mental health will definitely improve, and I know my children's will as well. Am I nervous about them returning to the classroom? Absolutely, because this virus is no joke. Yet I also know that for two of my kids, distance learning wasn't working. Learning disabilities + distance learning = difficulties.

Reading wise my week was respectable. I read a bit slower than usual, but that's perfectly okay. I managed to read 4 books this week, and the books I chose were fantastic. One was even a five star!

The first book I read was Always Only You by Chloe Liese. Full disclosure, I went with this book because there was a hockey player on the cover. 🤣 🤷🏼‍♀️  I also thought this was a library book. It wasn't, I purchased the e-book after seeing Always Only You recommended on Booktube. 

While I chose the book for the cover, the story hooked me. As I was reading, my gut told me that there was a good chance that Frankie was someone on the autism spectrum. A few pages later, she revealed that fact herself.  I was so proud of Frankie for how successful she is, and how she advocates for herself. Then there's Ren. He is just a sweetheart who loves with all he is.

From Goodreads:

Always Only You is an opposites-attract, forbidden love sports romance about a nerdy, late-blooming hockey star, and his tough cookie coworker who keeps both her soft side and her autism diagnosis* to herself. Complete with a meddling secretary, tantric yoga torture, and a scorching slow burn, this standalone is the second in a series of novels about a Swedish-American family of five brothers, two sisters, and their wild adventures as they each find happily ever after. 
*This is an #OwnVoices story for its portrayal of autism by an autistic author.

Always Only You is technically book two in the Bergman Brothers series. So I goofed and read that first. Yes I know these are technically standalone books, so I don't need to read them in order, but it's what I do! I was in disbelief when I realized what I had done. Rather than moving forward to Ever After Always, I went back to read Only When It's Us.

Only When It's Us introduces us to Willa and Ryder. Ryder is the middle child in the Bergman family, and he was a promising soccer player until an illness took away his hearing. Not only did Ryder lose his hearing (and place on the soccer team), but he also refused to speak any longer. Willa has a soccer scholarship and is dealing with sports, college, and her mom's health issues. 

I absolutely LOVED this book. It earned the 5 stars I gave it. I laughed. I cried. I wanted to join the Bergman family.

From Goodreads:

Only When It’s Us is a frenemies-to-lovers, college sports romance about a women’s soccer star and her surly lumberjack lookalike classmate, complete with a matchmaking professor, juvenile pranks, and a smoking slow burn. This standalone is the first in a series of new novels about a Swedish-American family of five brothers, two sisters, and their wild adventures as they each find happily ever after.

Ever After Always is the third book in the series, and it just released on January 12th. As we learned at the end of Always Only You, Freya and Aiden are having marital problems. Ever After Always goes on to tell us everything that happened, and how hard these two work to save their relationship. The Hawaii trip was spectacular, and it solidified how much I adore this family!

I highlighted many lines from the book. One of my favorite quotes was:

"It’s a choice, a belief. I choose you, my ever after, believing our love will sustain us, always. Ever after always."

From Goodreads:

Ever After Always is a marriage-in-crisis, opposites-attract romance about a sensitive, fierce-loving woman and her resilient husband who has anxiety disorder. Complete with island vacation antics, a sibling prank gone wrong, and a steamy slow burn, this standalone is the third in a series of novels about a Swedish-American family of five brothers, two sisters, and their wild adventures as they each find happily ever after.

My last book for the week was Dark Ruler by Xavier Neal. This is a steamy dark mafia romance, and it isn't my typical read, but I'm so glad I picked it up. Chantal is a strong woman, who has no problems speaking her mind. Benicio is the boss of his companies, and is used to people doing what he says when he says it. What he says goes. It's why he's in charge! 

This quote stuck out to me:

“I understand the reason you hold the fear you hold, Beni. I would be lying if I said I didn’t worry when you walked out the door, the same way I used to worry when Uncle Lucius and Dad did, but he taught me that the more you feed fear, the more powerful it becomes. To weaken it, you must embrace the time you have and the time you’re given because fear will always find something to latch onto, a way to live again, but the time you lost can never be regained.”

Here is a little teaser for Dark Ruler:

I was raised to be a ruler of two worlds.

One with a pen.

One with a knife.

Be the king of the concrete jungle at all costs.

I should've simply taken a queen, not courted one.

I should've forced her submission, not earned it.

I should've let respect be enough, not fall in love.

Someone has made a grave mistake in coming for my company.

For my throne.

For my Mia Bella.

And for that, they will not only meet the man I was raised to become but the one I am now, for the only woman I will ever bow to.

Be prepared, this book ends in a cliffhanger! The good news is that Dark Reign is coming out yet this month. So if you start the duet in January, you won't have to wait long for the second half of the story. Also, as Benicio and Miko are Italian, the use of the language is often incorporated into the story. So you will see Beni and/or Miko translate their own lines so that Chantal understands what is being spoken. I did find myself using the translate feature on my Kindle from time to time, so it was helpful to have.

So there you have it. Those are the four books I read this week. I had 3 four stars, and 1 five star. All in all it was a great week. Now to see what next week brings.

What did you read last week? Anything you'd recommend? What's on your plan for next week?

Happy Reading,